The Washington critic., 1887-06-14
HE MARRIED BOTH.

The Rev. Mr.. Shaw contrasted
greatly with his surroundings--his
spotless cloth fitting so we'll his strong.
manly figure; his clear cut Grecian
features and dark, wavy hair thrown
back with careless grace from his
smooth brow.
He was visiting one Of those wretched
tenement houses used by the very
poor, and before him was a forlorn
group.
A widow who had just buried her
husband; she had FIVE helpless chill.
dren--the eldest 6, the youngest, nurs.
Ing baby, and q. pair Of twins among
them.
81 don't know what am goin' to do
for myself and the little 'uns. Though
my old man would have his drink he
didn't beat us, and brought enough to
us to keep body and soul together, but
now l know we can't do nothln' but
starve and die"
Have you no friends 2"
"Some, but as bad or wuss OF than
us. Yes" she said, looking up with q
grateful, bright expression, "therc Is
one-Lord bless her who has done
lot for me-Miss Mehitable Sauks. She
sent medicine and the doctor to the old
man, and guv me clothes and su,hin' to
eat, and many's the man, woman and
child that blesses her taking care Of
'em."
Mr.. Shaw was the rector of one of
the wealthiest churches In the city,
and Mabel Lee was one of the parish.
oners.
Bright and witty, but o butterfly;
such devotee to society that one
longed for the expression of single
serious thought that could leaven into
something like common sense this per.
sonificatlon of frivolity. With II all,
however, she was lovable and lovely to
every one, and Mr.. Shaw had long
struggled against an interest In her,
the Indulgence of which he felt would
be fatal TO his future happiness and
usefulness.
Absorbed in these thoughts he found
himself in front of Mr.. Lees house,
and, obeying an impulse, he turned In
at the gate and was admitted.
AZ Miss Lee entered the parlor he
thought he had never seen fairer
vision, and was vexed to feel his heart
throb more quickly and thrill with a
pleasure he felt must be controlled.
She greeted him with that easy grace
which was one Of her principal
charms.
"Ahi Mr.. Shaw, am so glad to see
you. had a real spell of ennui this
morning. This last novel Is wretched,
as both hero and heroine die In the
most provoking way, all because of
some overstrained idea of duty, and l
was just wishing some one would come
IN could have cheerful little chat
with to dispel the gloomy impress
sion.
"Then I'm afraid" smilingly, "you
will not like your present visitor. ]
have not come in very cheerful
humor, and, beside, wish to ask q
favor"
"a favor That is too lovely. Con.
slider 1t granted, even to the half of my
kingdom. / am truly glad that you
wish to ask favor of me, because
did not think your opinion of nae was
sufficiently good for such thing. Do
you know" with a sudden drop of the
eyes, that you always make me feel
as If were doing something wrong?"
"Do /? Well, / shall give you Il
golden opportunity now to redeem
yourself. / have just been visiting
some of those wretchedly poor families
In - street, aud l would like 1t so
much If you could interest some ladies
In their behalf-vislt them and relieve
them"
A look of CONSERVATION Overspread
her pretty face us she exclaimed:
"Oh, Indeed, you don't mean for me
TO 60 there2 How could ever stand
It? can't bear such places. Ask me
almost anything else. The dreadful
men and women-the odor Ugh ~
with shudder. "Ask me almost any.
thing else
A look of keen disappointment passed
over Mr.. Shaw's face.
She suddenly frightened and said:
Il do intend to do something good
next week. have refused a german,
triumphantly, 'that may attend the
charity calico ball to be given. You
know all the dresses are for the poor,
go shall do some good. ~
"And what is your dress to beT'
asked Mr.. Shaw, with rather an in.
describable infection to his voice.
"The loveliest blue silesia, with n
flowered cretonne front" enthusiast.
.cally, Sleeveless waist, Medici collar,
shirred and very bouffant draperlcs,
1t will he beautiful, and know 1t will
seem very nice to some poor woman
who never had anything like I"
"Yes," said he In tone quite sat
ura,ed with irony; II don't doubt Its
usefulness; but don't you think You
ought to add few yards Of Illusion 10
make some warm who have no fires,
and few yards of ribbon to decorate
the little freezing armsH"
isNnu ynu nrN hnuRv with mn Mr.
Shaw" lesitaiiugly. Don't think
me utterly hearlless; but cau't so tC
- street. 1t would really give me {
little blue chill"
He did not again speak on the sub
iect to her, hut found other ladies VIII,
Interested themselves most warmly II
the work
One day when entering the postoillc,
he saw In advance of him the graceful
figure Of Mabel Lee. She was unawar
OF his presence, and, standing Idly, DC
hind her, he felt as II he had receives
an electric shock, us she asked ;.
sis there anything for Miss Mehit
able Sanks?" aud then received an
pockeiGd several postal cards
If he was Gstonishcd at the question
he was still more so at the elect whlc
his discovery produced on her If,
Neck, face and brow, even to In
roots Of her golden curls, were dye
with painful crimson, her eyes d
lated with an expression of great cor
sternation, but with a little haught
gesture of recognition, she hurried pa
him. Acting upon an impulse, with
few hasly steps he soOu overlook her
lie was lost in bewidering surprise
She was the last person with whom b
could have connected Miss Sapks !
any way, and her agitation as b
Ia innrananl hfa AN